Question

which therapeutic effect is associated with digoxin prescribed to a client with heart failure?
reduces edema
increases cardiac conduction
increases rate of ventricular contractions
slows and strengthens cardiac contractions

Explanation:

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside. It acts by inhibiting the sodium - potassium ATPase pump in myocardial cells. This leads to an increase in intracellular sodium, which in turn causes an influx of calcium (through sodium - calcium exchange). The increased intracellular calcium enhances myocardial contractility (strengthens cardiac contractions). Also, it has a vagomimetic effect on the atrioventricular (AV) node, which slows the conduction through the AV node. This results in a slower heart rate (in the context of atrial fibrillation or flutter, it controls the ventricular response rate).

• Reducing edema is more related to diuretics (e.g., furosemide) which increase urine output and remove excess fluid.
• Digoxin does not increase cardiac conduction. In fact, it slows conduction through the AV node.
• It does not increase the rate of ventricular contractions. In cases of atrial fibrillation/flutter, it slows the ventricular response rate.

Answer:

Slows and strengthens cardiac contractions